Westbound stretch of U.S. 70 to be closed next week

Westbound lanes of U.S. 70 through Morehead City will be closed next week so that Norfolk –Southern Railroad can replace a railroad crossing.

The N.C. Department of Transportation will close a quarter-mile section of westbound lanes, starting at the 3800 block of U.S. 70, close to 35th Street near Carteret General Hospital, from 7 a.m. Wednesday through 4 p.m. Friday.

Westbound traffic will be detoured to Bridges Street or State Road 1176, which runs parallel to U.S. 70.

Drivers are advised to shift from U.S. 70 to Bridges Street at the earliest convenient location, said David Livingston, a transportation department highway maintenance engineer. Because of traffic already in the construction area due to the nearby hospital and post office, drivers are asked to avoid using 35th Street to get to Bridges Street.

Westbound truck traffic that is not stopping in Morehead City is advised to use N.C. 101, which turns off U.S. 70 near the Michael J. Smith Field Airport and reconnects to the highway in Havelock, Livingston said.

Informational signs will be placed at various locations in Morehead City and Beaufort to inform drivers of the detour.

Drivers are advised to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limits.

Highway construction or delay information is available by calling 511, the transportation department’s free travel information line. Real-time information is also available at ncdot.gov/travel.